A PULLED muscle in the three-time Masters winner's back could derail Mickelson's plans to notch up a fourth tournament win at Augusta in April.

Phil Mickelson could miss out on a fourth Masters championship after pulling a muscle at Texas Open

PHIL MICKELSON fears his Augusta hopes are wrecked after hobbling out of the Texas Open yesterday with a pulled back muscle.

The American was crippled by the pain and is now seeking medical help ahead of next month’s Masters.

But he gloomily admits he could be struggling to make the event in less than a fortnight, adding: “There’s really not much you can do for a pulled muscle.”

The triple Masters winner has been plagued by back pain this season and it came to a head on the 10th hole in San Antonio yesterday.

He abandoned his round after the injury and said: “I pulled a muscle on my downswing trying to hit the ball hard.

“It just killed me and wouldn’t subside for about 10 to 12 seconds. I’m going to San Diego for a couple of days and have a doctor take a look.”

Michelson was due to complete his warm-up for the Augusta National, which starts on April 10, at the Shell Houston Open this week but admitted he didn’t know if he could compete.

Australia’s Steven Bowditch has a three-shot lead going into today’s final round after firing a third -round 68.

The 30-year-old moves to 12-under par and with the American duo of Matt Kuchar (65) and Andrew Loupe (70) joint second on nine under. Kuchar is one of the game’s best not to win a Major and will be seeking a seventh PGA Tour title ahead of competing in Augusta.

He said: “Having chances like I have here just makes you more confident.”

Scotland’s Russell Knox admits he was running on empty and looking forward to his wedding to tennis star Andrea Hernandez next month.

Knox ended his round holing a 20-foot chip shot for birdie at the last in a round of 71 for a one-under tally.

He said: “This is my fourth event in as many weeks and I’m just mentally and physically drained. My body’s crying out for a break.”

Asia threatened to produce a victory to rival the Miracle at Medinah yesterday as the inaugural EurAsia Cup ended in a thrilling 10-10 draw.

Thongchai Jaidee’s side trailed 7-3 going into yesterday’s singles but Jaidee kickstarted a stunning fightback by beating Graeme McDowell 3&2, with five further wins for Asia.